ATI RN
Immune System Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
While studying the T- and B-cell immune suppressors, the nursing students learn that the most commonly used immune suppressant is what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Cyclosporine is commonly used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection in organ transplant recipients and for treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It works by inhibiting T-cell activation and proliferation. Azathioprine (B) is also an immunosuppressant but is not as commonly used as Cyclosporine. Pimecrolimus (C) is a topical medication used for eczema and not a systemic immune suppressant. Glatiramer (D) is used for treating multiple sclerosis but is not a commonly used immune suppressant.
Question 2 of 5
A 72-year-old male patient has arrived at the outpatient unit to receive an infusion of alemtuzumab (Compath). The patient tells the nurse this is the second time his chronic lymphocytic leukemia has relapsed and the second time he will receive this drug because he failed alemtuzumab therapy after being treated with an alkylating agent. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calling the physician and questioning the order. This is the priority action because the patient's history of relapse and prior failure of alemtuzumab therapy after receiving an alkylating agent raises concerns about potential drug interactions, contraindications, or other issues that need to be clarified with the physician before proceeding with the infusion. It is crucial to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment by confirming the appropriateness of the order. Summary of other choices: B: Washing your hands - While hand hygiene is important, it is not the priority in this situation. C: Beginning an intravenous infusion - Starting the infusion without clarifying the order and potential issues first could be harmful to the patient. D: Canceling the infusion - While canceling the infusion may be necessary depending on the physician's response, it is not the initial action to take without consulting the physician first.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing a patient to receive immunosuppressant drugs on an outpatient basis. What is the priority for the nurse to arrange for this patient in the home environment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Supportive care and comfort measures are the priority for a patient receiving immunosuppressant drugs at home. These medications can weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections and complications. Therefore, ensuring that the patient has access to supportive care, such as monitoring for signs of infection, managing side effects, and providing comfort measures, is crucial to promote the patient's well-being and safety at home. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: While having a caregiver skilled in CPR is important for emergencies, it is not the top priority in this situation. B: Adequate nutrition is essential for overall health but is not the priority when preparing a patient for immunosuppressant drugs. D: While having a home care nurse to administer injections may be beneficial, it is not the priority compared to providing supportive care and comfort measures for the patient's well-being at home.
Question 4 of 5
The patient underwent an allograft renal transplant 48 hours earlier and is showing signs of rejection. What drug would the nurse expect the physician to order?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muromonab. Muromonab is a monoclonal antibody that targets T-lymphocytes and is used to treat acute rejection in organ transplant patients. It works by suppressing the immune response against the transplanted organ. In this case, the patient showing signs of rejection after an allograft renal transplant would benefit from Muromonab to prevent further rejection. Other choices are incorrect: B: Anakinra is an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not for transplant rejection. C: Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant that prevents organ rejection by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation, but it is not typically used for acute rejection. D: Sirolimus is an mTOR inhibitor used for maintenance immunosuppression, not for acute rejection treatment.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a child requiring cyclosporine to prevent rejection. Cyclosporine is given to adults using a dosage of 15 mg/kg. The nurse calculates the child's dosage is 20 mg/kg. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Calculate correct pediatric dose: Child's weight x 20 mg/kg = X mg 2. Compare X mg to ordered dose: If X mg is within safe range, administer the drug. 3. Administering the drug is crucial for preventing rejection. 4. Holding the dose without confirmation may delay treatment. Summary: - Choice B: Questioning the provider should be done after administering the drug. - Choice C: Incident report is needed only if the incorrect dose has been given. - Choice D: Notifying the supervisor is not necessary if the correct dose is administered.